By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2026-06-17 23:01:05 | Updated at 2026-06-18 05:48:02
6 hours ago
The fiancee of NBA star Tyrese Haliburton has broken her silence after her friend mysteriously died during her bachelorette party at the age of 26.
Jade Jones took to Instagram on Wednesday night to pay an emotional tribute to Makenzi Kern after she passed away during the luxurious trip to St. Barts.
In the lengthy post, Jones wrote: 'I am forever grateful that I got to love someone as truly special as Kenzi, and to have been loved back by her.
'Kenz was truly a light in this world, and that light will continue to shine in everyone who was lucky enough to know her. I love you forever until the end of time Kenzi.
'You are truly so beautiful inside and out & a once-in-a-lifetime kind of friend. Thank you for always showing up for me, for making me laugh until I cry, and for being such an unforgettable part of my life. I’ll always miss you but I know you’ll be with me, wherever I go. “See ya”'
Along with her emotional tribute, Jones posted a number of photos of herself and Karen during their friendship. Haliburton, who plays for the Indiana Pacers, replied in the comments: 'I love you'.
Makenzi Kern (right) died while on a bachelorette party trip with her friend Jade Jones (left)
Kern passed away unexpectedly from health complications, a source told TMZ. Her family does not suspect foul play or that her death was caused by drugs or alcohol
Makenzi is seen here on the far right alongside the rest of the group and bride to be Jade Jones, center
Jones (center, in white) is pictured on her bachelorette trip with Kern (back, second from left)
Kern was pronounced dead on June 8, just two days after her birthday, while 'surrounded by her closest friends on a once in a lifetime trip to St. Barthelemy Island,' an online obituary says.
Images shared to social media by Jones, the bride to be, on June 6 show the group of friends clad in bikinis enjoying the sunshine on beaches and by the swimming pool of the property they were staying on.
A source familiar with the situation told TMZ Kern passed away unexpectedly from health complications, and her family does not suspect foul play, nor do they believe her death is related to drugs or alcohol.
She is now survived by her parents, step parents, sister, step siblings, grandparents and her boyfriend.
Like Haliburton and his fiancée, Kern attended Iowa State, where she was a cheerleading teammate of Jones'. 'Kenz,' as she was known, was working as a membership director for a YMCA branch in Nebraska.
Jones and Haliburton have been together for more than seven years, dating back to his time as a rising guard for the Iowa State Cyclones.
Haliburton would go on to be drafted by the Sacramento Kings in 2020 and was later traded to the Indian Pacers, whom he led to the 2025 NBA Finals.
Unfortunately, he suffered an Achilles injury during the Finals loss to Oklahoma City and consequently missed the 2025-26 season.
Kern attended Iowa State University with Jones and Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton
In the aftermath of Kern's shock death, theories about what may have caused it have run rampant.
A woman who claims to know the family posted online that Kern died of a sudden heart attack.
Rumors have spread online - with some speculating that Kern's death may be a result of a reaction to the controversial mRNA COVID vaccines.
'Sounds sudden and vaxxy,' one X account posted.
Laura Miers, an outspoken critic of the COVID vaccines, also wrote that 'the New Normal really blows.
'We will be witnessing record premature death for the rest of our natural lives.'
There is no evidence to suggest Kern died as a result of receiving the COVID vaccine.
